Welcome class of 2019

Getting your CATcard is one of your first steps to life on campus. The CATcard is the official identification card for students, faculty and staff here at the University of Vermont. It provides access to CAT$cratch, UVM's prepaid debit account, and also functions for dining, library, fitness access and as a bus pass for the CCTA bus system. It will be programmed with your residence hall and any other door access that may be required, and it will even work to activate the washers and dryers. If you purchase Student Advantage the logo will be printed right on the back of the CATcard. As you can see, we really are a one card campus.

When and where do I get my CATcard?

Our office is located on the first floor of the Davis Center and is open at 8:00am each day of orientation. To get your UVM ID you are required to bring a form of a government issued photo ID with you (Driver's license, Military ID, Passport) high school ID's will not be accepted. You can submit a photo before orientation, or have your picture taken in our office, either way your ID will be printed out when you are in the office. If you would like to submit a photo ahead of orientation you can do so by signing up for the WEBcard Center. The PIN number you need to set up this account will be emailed to you the week of May 9th.

What does it cost? What if I lose it?

There is no fee for your first card. If you lose your card, sign on to the WEBcard Center to put a hold on it which will block anyone from using it. If found you can sign back on to remove the hold. Another option is calling the CATcard Office; after business hours you can call the UVM Police to have them put a hold on it. If you cannot find your card one will be reissued for $15.00 and the old one will be permanently deactivated.

What if I hate my picture or damage my card?

Students replace their card for a variety of reasons. It may be you hate your picture, damaged your card, or it has been put through the wash. Just bring your most current card to our office and we will reprint you a new one for $5.00.

What is CAT$cratch and why would I need it?

CAT$cratch is UVM's prepaid debit account which works right off your CATcard. Opening a CAT$cratch account is a safe, convenient way to have access to goods and services without always having your purse or wallet with you. Typically you will have your ID card with you as it is needed for your residence hall and to access your meal plan. CAT$cratch has no fees attached so you will never overdraw this account. If you lose a debit or credit card it may take a couple weeks to replace, where as the CATcard can be replaced the same day.

How do I open an account and make deposits?

Opening an account is easy, just print off the application form and either mail it or bring it in to our office. After the account is open you can make deposits in our office, using cash, check, and credit or debit card. If writing a check, make payable to UVM. Deposits can be made through our secure website, just click web deposit. Credit card deposits are treated as a payment and not a cash advance by your credit card company. The credit card holder must be present when making a deposit in our office. Remember, CAT$cratch rolls over semester to semester and year to year. If you have a balance left when you graduate or leave the University we take a $10.00 closing fee and send you a check for the rest.

How do I check my balance?

Using the WEBcard Center you can check your balance and transaction history. Giving your parents your WEBcard password (different from your e-mail password) and your e-mail address will allow them to also check your balance and transaction history.

Where can CAT$cratch be used?

CAT$cratch can be used for a variety of goods and services including buying books at UVM Bookstore and groceries downtown at City Market. For a complete list of hundreds of locations, check out our on campus and off campus web pages.

Do I need a debit or credit card?

CAT$cratch cannot be used for cash withdrawals so it is a good idea to have a way to access cash.

What if I lose it, can someone else use it?

Your CATcard is a photo ID which is checked at the time of purchase. Businesses not only check the photo but require a signature as well.

What is the difference between CAT$cratch and meal points?

Meal points will work in Sodexo dining locations which include Brennan's and the Marketplace as well as CATpause Convenience Store and Henderson's Cafe. CAT$cratch also works in all the dining locations, vending machines, the UVM Bookstore, CATpause, Henderson's and over 120 off-campus locations in the Burlington area. All first year students and sophomores are required to have a meal plan.

What is Student Advantage?

Student Advantage is a discount program that works for thousands of products and services nationwide. It is only $45.00 and is good for all four years. Save on Greyhound and Amtrak tickets and so much more! You will be receiving a letter on this program around mid May; fill out the application and mail it back to us by June first. If you miss the deadline just mail it in at least a week before you come to orientation so we have the information to print on the back of your ID card.

Still have questions?

For any questions we have not covered, please feel free to call us at 656-4509 or stop by our office during orientation. We will be doing CATcard presentations on the first day of each orientation and we will also be available at the resource fair second day of each session. See you on campus!